They’re roomy, light and surprisingly cheap compared to most IT-bags. Yes, we’re talking about the tote bag, which is on track to become this year’s most popular accessory. Thanks to their many qualities, they’re not just ideal for grocery shopping but also for travelling. Yet what made the tote so popular and which ones are worth buying?
The whole tote bag hype started somewhere in the mid-2000’s. Climate awareness had been rising for a moment and suddenly, the UK’s Environment Agency started to assess the environmental impact of plastic bags. With plastic bags out of the picture, people needed to find an alternative and thus more and more stores started stocking tote bags.
For a long time, they were seen as an environment saviour. However, according to the UN, cotton tote bags need to be used between 50 and 150 times each in order to be called environmentally friendly. A stark contrast with the reality of the subject, as most are used just around 3 times.
That short lifespan has undoubtedly much to do with the quality of many totes. More often than not, those free or very cheap cotton tote bags are badly made, with stitches falling apart after just a day and with dimensions not adapted to daily needs. However, in reality, there’s little that beats the utility of a well-built tote bag.
Many brands now seem to be hopping on that qualitative tote bag bandwagon. According to research by The Business Research Company, the global market for cotton totes will surpass $1.1 billon in 2025 or up $500 million from 2024. Museums, luxury brands and supermarkets all start to bring out their own version of the well-made tote bag, which often sells out quickly and further increases the hype.
Those popular tote bags are often made our of calico, an unbleached cotton. Their design has been carefully thought of, with stitch reinforcements where needed and bright colours to make them a real part of your outfit. They tend to cost a little more than what you would generally spend on a tote – with prices starting at approximately $10 and going all the way up – but for such a handy bag, they stay more affordable than most.
1. Fitzcarraldo Editions, £15 (€18)
A bag perfect for book aficionados and one that will immediately boost your outfit. The deep-blue colour goes with everything and doesn’t quickly show stains so it is perfect for all your daily needs.
2. Musée d’Orsay, €25
If you’d like to show the world your love for Art Nouveau and Paris, this aesthetically very pleasing bag is made for you. With spring on its way, the colours are more appropriate than ever.
3. Merci, €35
When tote bags get combined with short but sweet slogans, you know you’ve got something good. The French label Merci – which translates to “thank you” – put their brand name on a tote bag and the result speaks for itself.
4. Joyau, £22 (€26)
While normally Joyau is all about the wines, their tote bag has been a real hit throughout London and beyond. Again, the blue colour does a lot and the sturdiness of the bag makes it ideal to carry around a bottle of rosé for your next picnic.
5. Ganni oversized leopard-print canvas, €165
If you’re looking for an even bigger tote and one that you could even wear during Copenhagen Fashion Week, Ganni has got exactly what you’re looking for. The price is on the higher side of tote bag things but you get what you pay for.
6. Samsøe Samsøe Frinka, €50
That other Scandinavian label, Samsøe Samsøe, has made their own version of the tote as well. Straight-forward, coloured and sturdy: it doesn’t need to be much more than that.
7. A.P.C. Cabas Louise, €190
French brand A.P.C. has made a whole collection of tote bags, ranging from canvas items over recycled materials to leather bags. Our favourite may be this padded version, in black recycled nylon.
8. Tate orange logo, £15 (€18)
As we said before, many museums now carry their own version of the qualitative tote bag. The Tate in London isn’t any different on this level and their bag allows you to show your love for culture in a not-so subtle way.
9. Fondation Louis Vuitton white canvas, €42
Always dreamt of owning a Louis Vuitton bag but never wanted to splurge? This could be your chance. The white- and camel-coloured tote bag by the Foundation Louis Vuitton is the perfect fashion accessory for 2025.
10. HAY Everyday, €45
A tote bag with two exterior pockets and two sets of straps, HAY may have made the most practical version of the tote bag we’ve been able to discover so far. Whether you opt for simple beige or poppy red, there’s a colour for everyone.
